Classic Readings & Personal Sentiments

Graphic designer Viola Sutanto and branding-and-design-agency owner Phillip Ting read poems to each other before reading their vows during their Napa, Calif., ceremony. The groom chose E.E. Cummings' "I Carry Your Heart With Me," while Viola selected passages from I Like You by Sandol Stoddard, a favorite children's book. The readings were followed by their personal vows:

Unstructured Sentiments

For their Temecula, Calif., nuptials, Brooke Peterson, a benefits specialist, and Steven Triplett, who is in retail management, penned their feelings in a spontaneous manner. The result: vows that were unstructured, yet completely heartfelt.

Promises To Each Other

Kristin Van Handel, a textile designer, and Dennis Russo, a theatre professor, both structured their vows as promises to each other—but they didn't plan it that way; they actually wrote their vows separately. The couple love how they just happened to express their feelings for each other in the same way.

A Playful Riff

For their Camarillo, Calif., wedding, Asia Ledbetter, who runs a tutoring business, and Craig Citro, a mathematician, decided to skip the solemn, traditional vows and go for a playful, Dr. Seuss-inspired version. "We love making people laugh, so the vows really tied that all together for us," says Asia.

Officiant: *Will you love with all your heart? From now until death do you part? *

Asia and Craig: *Yes, we will love with all our heart

From now until death do us part,

And we will love if we are rich,

And if we're broke and in a ditch,

And when we're fit, and when we're sick,

(Oh, CAN'T we get this finished quick?)

And we will love through good and bad,

And we will love when glad or sad. *

Asia: *And I will have, and I will hold.

(I think this might be getting old!)

I'll love him my entire life. *

Craig: *Please, can't I take her as my wife?

Officiant: Then if you'll take her as your wife

And if you'll love him all your life

And if you'll have, and if you'll hold,

From now until the stars grow cold,

And if you'll love through good and bad,

And when happy and when sad,

And love in sickness, and in health,

And when you're poor, and when in wealth,

And if you'll love with all your heart,

From now until death do you part,

Yes, if you'll love through and through,

Please answer with these words: *

Asia and Craig: *I DO! *

Officiant: *Good! Now we can finish up with thingsIf you would both exchange the rings. *

Officiant:You're married now! So kiss the bride,But please, do keep it dignified.